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With Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash on the back of a highly impressive 1-0 win last time out, the 50-year-old manager will undoubtedly be hoping for yet another promising performance when Villa visit Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

And, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Spurs side currently on a run of three straight defeats in the league, the fixture could well provide Aston Villa with a fantastic opportunity to continue their climb up the top-flight table after a shaky start to their 2021/22 campaign.

So, will Smith make any changes to the team which started in the win over Manchester United last weekend? Here’s how we think Villa could line up against Tottenham, along with the latest team and injury news…

While it is indeed true that Villa highly impressed in their 3-5-2 formation at Old Trafford last weekend, with Tottenham very much looking there to be got at on Sunday afternoon, we predict that Smith will make one change to his starting XI, as well as switching back to a 4-3-3 formation.

In the centre of defence, last week’s match-winner, 26-year-old Kortney Hause, is extremely unfortunate to drop to the bench, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa’s consistently impressive form so far this season enough for the duo to keep their starting spots, while Matt Targett and Matty Cash drop back into less advanced full-back roles.

The central midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn is untouched, while, with Leon Bailey yet to resume training following his quad injury, Ollie Watkins move onto the left-hand side of the front three, with Danny Ings starting up top and the £75k-per-week Emiliano Buendia regaining a place in the XI on the right flank.

Meanwhile, although once again an option for Smith after being unavailable against his parent club last week, Axel Tuanzebe has to make do with a seat amongst the substitutes.

In other news: Big blow: Dean Smith confirms major Villa setback before Spurs, fans will be gutted

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham are set to enter talks with the agent of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs need a striker

Spurs are quite clearly in need of a new striker. Harry Kane has shared his desire to move on from north London (Sky Sports), while he even failed to turn up for training to further illustrate his point (talkSPORT).

Even if the talisman stays put, the Lilywhites do not have adequate support in depth behind him, such has been the problem for several years now.

They have been heavily linked with a move for Lautaro Martinez (Football Insider), but it also seems they have their eyes on another forward during this transfer window.

The Latest: Spurs to enter Vlahovic talks

As per this latest report, Spurs are set to enter talks with the agent of Vlahovic, while Inter Milan are also interested.

Fiorentina are said to be looking for €70m (£59.2m) to part ways with the Serbia international.

The Verdict: Top target

Losing Kane would be a blow to Nuno Espirito Santo – he will of course be eager to hold on to the man who has 221 goals in 336 games for the club.

However, if he were to depart, bringing in Vlahovic would certainly soften the blow. The 21-year-old was in top form last season in Serie A, scoring 21 goals in 37 matches (Transfermarkt), while he also has two strikes in seven caps for his country.

Legendary Italian striker Christian Vieri is a fan, calling him “the best striker in Europe” for his age along with Borussia Dortmund man Erling Haaland (Football Italia). £59m is a lot of money to spend on just one player given the pandemic’s financial implications on clubs, but they would have that money available if Kane were to depart. To us, Vlahovic would be a worthy replacement.

In other news, Tottenham have been offered this Premier League winner.

Keinan Davis is a target for former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith in his new post as Norwich City manager, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

Davis has been limited to just 11 minutes of football so far this term after sustaining an injury in August.

That injury actually saw a mooted loan move to Championship side Stoke City called off.

The 23-year-old has been with Villa for six years, making 86 first-team appearances and recording 13 direct goal contributions (six goals, seven assists).

He’s apparently earning £45,000 per week at Villa Park, more than the likes of Matt Targett, John McGinn and Douglas Luiz (via Spotrac).

Former Villan Jack Grealish said after the Premier League’s restart last year that Davis was ‘unplayable’.

The latest

Smith wants to bring a ‘Premier League-calibre frontman who can spearhead the attack’ to Carrow Road, and believes Davis fits the bill.

He’s confident that a deal can be done, with his price tag believed to be somewhere between £2million and £4million.

Smith ‘has always rated Davis highly’ and he apparently played a key role in discussions over a new Villa contract last year.

The verdict

In previous years, Villa have rejected ‘multiple bids’ for Davis, but that stance may now have changed.

Indeed, they were seemingly ready to let him join Stoke before injury intervened.

The signing of Danny Ings in the summer has pushed him further down the pecking order, and that’s not all.

Teenage sensation Cameron Archer may well have nudged ahead of him after snatching his EFL Cup opportunity with a hat-trick against Barrow and a goal at Stamford Bridge.

Davis may be open to a reunion with a manager that clearly admires him, and back-to-back wins for the Canaries will give him hope that he wouldn’t be joining a sinking ship.

In other news, fans react to this behind-the-scenes reveal. 

Leeds United are not in a comfortable position in the Premier League this season, currently 15th in the table following a slow start with just two wins from their first 11 games.

The Whites have been plagued with injuries which have caused inconsistencies in every aspect of their team. From defence to attack, the well-oiled machine of last season has gone rusty, with squad players having to be thrown into the line-up in key positions.

Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Luke Ayling and Raphinha are a few of the key players who have been sidelined so far this season, which has clearly effected the team’s performances of late, but luckily Raphinha and Phillips have returned to action in the last few weeks.

Bielsa could unleash a dynamic £37.8m-rated duo in Phillips and Forshaw, and that could have a positive impact on Leeds’ chances of taking points from Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The England international returned from a minor injury recently and will be raring to go after playing in the 1-1 draw with Leicester before international break.

The 25-year-old spoke out lately about his midfield partnership with Forshaw, who has also recently returned from a horrific injury which has cost him two seasons of his career.

Phillips told BBC Leeds: “It’s very nice to have Adam back. We’re good friends, we get on really well and I think it shows on the football pitch that we understand each other, the way each other plays.”

Forshaw, who nearly gained an England call-up in 2016, has not had an easy ride with the hip injury he picked up after just seven games of the 2019/20 season.

Initially, the injury was thought to be minor, with the protectory of the midfielder being out for only 16 weeks, but Leeds and Forshaw were dealt a devastating blow when he was sent for surgery and ruled out for the rest of the season.

Forshaw struggled to build his fitness moving into the 2020/21 campaign, and in a brief return for the under-23s, he sustained an injury to his hamstring which again saw him sidelined for the entire season.

The 30-year-old made an emotional return to Premier League football against Leicester City a few weeks ago, the midfielder spoke to the Sunday People, saying: “Starting against Leicester was a big moment for me and my family, so I’m pleased.

“I’d just like to say a massive, massive thank you to Rob Price and his team, the strength and conditioning coaches, the manager for the way he’s managed me throughout the summer.”

Bielsa will be thrilled that Phillips and Forshaw have a genuine connection which can hopefully translate on the pitch against Spurs and help Leeds to an important three points as they attempt to escape a potential relegation battle.

In other news: this potential partnership could unlock success for Leeds

Leeds United defender Leif Davis has seen his move to Bournemouth break down at the final hour.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that the versatile youngster was in advanced talks with the Cherries over a season-long loan move, but that appears to have fallen dead in the water now.

According to Football Insider, a Leeds source has revealed that the plug has been pulled on Davis’ move to the south coast, and that those involved in the discussions do not expect talks to be reignited.

It’s added that “Marcelo Bielsa had been keen for Davis to get regular senior playing experience rather than be a bit-part figure at Leeds.”

Bielsa will be frustrated

The 21-year-old only had a brief look-in at first-team action in the previous campaign, playing just 31 minutes of football in the top-flight, and predominantly spending his time with the U23s.

But, according to comments previously made by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Davis is someone who the coaching staff rate highly at Thorp Arch, saying: “He’s very well thought of, is Davis, and he has been since he came, and of the Under-23s, he’s really been as involved as most under Bielsa and has quite often been the go-to player when Bielsa’s needed a left-back.

“The bottom line is that at Leeds, they think an awful lot of Davis, and they think that he’s a bit of a steal for what they paid to sign him from Morecambe.”

Able to play at both left-back and at centre-back, Davis has got the versatility to fill in wherever Bielsa needs him, offering him a dynamic presence down the flank or perhaps someone more “aggressive” in the middle of the defence and someone who is able to play out from the back.

But as Football Insider says about Bielsa’s thoughts on the matter, the crucial thing for Davis’ development in the long-term, is for him to be playing first-team football week-in and week-out, something he probably won’t have at Elland Road after the arrival of Junior Firpo.

A loan in the Championship, and with a team like Bournemouth who will surely look to contend for promotion again, would have done the young defender the world of good, and he would have returned to Yorkshire a better player for that experience.

Instead, he faces the prospect of once again sitting on the side-lines, being someone who’s perhaps now outgrown U23s football, but isn’t quite ready for action at Premier League level.

It’s exactly why Bielsa will be frustrated and even livid that this move has now collapsed.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have opened transfer talks over this star…

Crystal Palace will take on local rivals Charlton Athletic in a pre-season friendly, the club confirmed on Friday morning.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Palace revealed that they will take on the Addicks at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, 27th July.

The two sides faced off in a pre-season friendly prior to the 2020/21 campaign, with Eberechi Eze starring in what was his first appearance as a Palace player.

Eze won’t be available this time around, though, after he suffered a serious injury in training which will keep him out for at least six months.

The Eagles are still on the search for a new manager, and you’d hope the club will have found Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor by the time they take on the League One side next month.

Palace fans react

Palace shared the news on their official Twitter page, with a number of supporters giving their immediate reaction to the fixture below, with one describing the match as ‘tasty’.

“This might not end well”Credit: @MattCPFC”what a day”Credit: @cpfcbennn”Good game to try out our youth, respect to Parish for giving small local clubs a chance”Credit: @bazbrown123″Gonna be tasty but announce Ismael”Credit: @CPFCMax9″Let me be manager”Credit: @eaglescpfcsam”Should be good”Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news: Many Palace fans react as ‘positive’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after the Reds were drawn to face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League group.

Jurgen Klopp’s side did well to qualify for Europe’s top club competition last season, following an injury-ravaged campaign without fans at Anfield.

In the end, Liverpool finished third in the Premier League, giving them an opportunity to win a seventh European Cup in 2021/22.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

On Thursday, the Reds found out who they will face in the group stage, with Atletico, Porto and AC Milan pitted against them in a tough-looking Group B.

It was Atletico who knocked Liverpool out in the last-16 back in 2019/20, with Diego Simeone’s team proving to be something of a bogey team for them.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Champions League draw

For that reason, these Reds fans were not happy on Twitter, with Atletico sure to provide two stern tests for Klopp’s men.

“Lord help me”

Credit: @ItIsWhatItIsra

“Ughhhh. Again. Just wanted someone different”

Credit: @TheOnlyBrianG

“2nd place isn’t bad”

Credit: @LiverpoolQuinn

“We have to play against a back 10”

Credit: @fikx_

“Lol worst possible IMO. Boring”

Credit: @_bubblxs

“Not looking good so far”

Credit: @Kloppista_LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans are angry at some pre-Chelsea news that has emerged. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Bristol City defender Taylor Moore, regarding Portsmouth’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Portsmouth are eyeing up a deal to sign Taylor Moore on loan from Championship side Bristol City.

The report claims that Pompey, Wigan and Hearts are all showing an interest in the 24-year-old defender, who the Robins are willing to loan out.

Fans would love him

Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley must sanction a deal for Moore before the end of the window. He could be an excellent addition to the squad and one who fans would love as he would arrive with bags of experience at higher levels, whilst still having the potential to improve.

In terms of his playing career to date, he has already played competitive games in Ligue 1, Ligue 2 and the Championship, whilst also having played in League One and League Two. He began his career in France with RC Lens, playing four games in Ligue 1 as a teenager – an exceptional learning curve for a young defender playing top-flight football.

Moore played on loan for Southend, Blackpool and Bury in League One, making 61 appearances in the third tier of English football. This shows that he knows what it takes to perform at Portsmouth’s level, along with the experience he has in the division above them – the Championship.

Last season, the defender averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.60 in 22 appearances in the second tier. He won 52% of his duels and made 1.4 interceptions per game for the Robins. This suggests that he has the quality to put in competent performances in the Championship whilst not having the ability – at present – to be a standout, indicating that he could excel by dropping down to League One.

Former Bristol City head coach Dean Holden hailed him as a leader in 2020 after the defender put pen to paper on a new contract at Ashton Gate. He said:

“Taylor is really stepping forward to establish himself in the first team as a player and a leader. He’s had a great start to the season and I’m pleased that he has secured a contract that will keep him here for the next few years.”

This shows that the Championship side have faith that the £2.6k-per-week beast will develop into a viable option for them in the future, with him displaying plenty of positive signs already in his young career. At the age of 24, he still has plenty of years left to continue his progress, with his next step potentially being a short-term move to Fratton Park.

Pompey fans would love to have him at the club as he has the requisite experience and quality to thrive in League One. If he can come in and hit the ground running then he could become a fan favourite at centre-back, but Cowley needs to work hard to get this deal over the line first-and-foremost.

AND in other news, Cowley must sanction deal for 20y/o gem, Portsmouth fans would be delighted…

Crystal Palace look set to miss out Edin Terzic as they search for Roy Hodgson’s successor, with the Borussia Dortmund interim head coach seemingly ruling himself out of contention.

What’s the story?

According to Goal, the 38-year-old has revealed that he would be happy to stay with the Bundesliga giants next season despite the imminent arrival of Marco Rose, meaning that he’ll be consigned to a backseat role once again.

Terzic took control of his boyhood club on a temporary basis following the dismissal of Lucien Favre and impressed during his time in the hot seat, winning the DFB-Pokal and guiding BVB to a third-placed finish.

Parish will be devastated 

German outlet Bild had previously linked the German-born tactician with a move to Selhurst Park as the Eagles look for the right person to continue the good work of Hodgson.

With an incredible win rate of 61.2%, experience managing one of the biggest clubs in European football and some major silverware on his CV, Terzic appeared to be a hugely attractive option for Palace chairman Steve Parish, and he’ll surely be devastated to hear the latest revelation over the 38-year-old’s future.

It had been rumoured that the young coach would leave Signal Iduna Park over the summer, but in an interview, he disclosed how he has no issue with resuming his previous role in the background.

“We have clearly expressed the wish that my path can continue here with pleasure,” he told reporters.

“We will make the best decision in the interests of the club. At some point, you will find out. I will go home with full enjoyment. I will enjoy that completely for the next few days.”

The news will come as a blow to the capital club’s hierarchy as they begin a new chapter in the post-Hodgson era, and Parish will have to reassess his options going forward.

Several big names such as Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and Eddie Howe have continuously been suggested as potential suitors to the Palace vacancy, but arguably none of them carry as much potential and intrigue as Terzic.

In other news…Massive CPFC contract update emerges over £120k-p/w “revelation”, fans will be buzzing 

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United finally return to Premier League action this evening, with the Whites making the trip to south London to face Crystal Palace in Monday’s 20:00 kick-off – 16 days after their 3-0 win over Watford.

As a result of this time off, the 48-year-old manager has had plenty of time to work with his first-team squad at Thorp Arch, something that could well give Leeds the edge over tonight’s opponents – who were bested 1-0 by Newcastle United last Wednesday.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The gap between fixtures will have also afforded a number of the Whites’ injured and fatigued players a much-needed rest from the hectic Premier League schedule, although, it is reported that the meeting with Palace will still come too soon for Patrick Bamford.

And, with Daniel James having once again struggled when playing through the middle at Vicarage Road, it would appear highly advisable for Marsch to finally unleash 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt from the off against the Eagles.

“Banging on the door”

Indeed, since the American’s appointment in the Elland Road dugout, Gelhardt is yet to be included in the 48-year-old’s starting XI, featuring just four times in the Premier League under the management of Marsch, in which time he has bagged one goal – the stoppage-time winner against Norwich City a little over a month ago.

However, looking at the campaign as a whole, the £4.5m-rated striker’s impact is clear for all to see, with the England U21 international having scored two goals and registered three assists over just 486 top-flight minutes – averaging a direct goal involvement every 97.2 minutes of football played.

For comparison, while James’ record of four goals and five assists over 30 Premier League outings does better the 19-year-old’s returns, when taking into account the Wales international directly contributes to a goal an average of once every 253.4 minutes played, it is obvious who is the more deadly.

Furthermore, over the last seven top-flight fixtures in which the £16.2m-rated winger has been deployed up front, James has failed to hit the back of the net, something which would very much suggest that he is simply not suited to a central attacking role.

As such, despite his tender age, Marsch must finally place his trust in the player who Beren Cross dubbed Leeds’ “next big thing” against Palace, as it is clear to see from his impressive record in the final third that Gelhardt is very much “banging on the door” – in the words of Phil Hay – for a start under the American.

AND in other news: Joe Donnohue drops early team news ahead of Palace, it’s a double boost for Leeds